The church began as Hemphill (Hemp’s)
Creek Methodist Episcopal Church. The earliest meetings were held
in private homes. The church was known as the Jena Methodist Episcopal
Church by 1870. The first church was built of logs in 1878 on the
east bank of Hemphill Creek in Old Jena. The parsonage was built
across the road. The earliest extant records date back to 1882.
In 1895, a new church was built on
higher ground to avoid flooding. Dr. B.L. Thompson donated a lot
north of the main road at the fork of the Nebo Road. In 1903, the
church renamed itself the Richmond Nolley Methodist Church (now Nolley
Memorial). Richmond Nolley was an early Methodist circuit rider that
died near Jena.
In 1897 a new church was erected on
higher ground to prevent flooding (that had occurred in 1895). It was built
in the middle of town on ground donated by Dr. B. L. Thompson, father of
Mrs. Louise Cobb. This location was on a lot just north of the main road
at the fork of the Nebo Road.
With increased membership, the church
obtained additional property. In 1910, land was acquired from F.M.
Renfro. Additional land was acquired later from J.A. Buchanan and
the L&A Railroad. Five acres were purchased from the Carey family
much later (1975). A new church was built in 1911 (located near the
present parking lot) and the cemetery was begun. Dr. B.L. Thompson’s
land was returned to him and he purchased the old church structure. The
current building, with a sanctuary and classrooms, was constructed in 1949.
In 1952, the remains of Richmond Nolley
were relocated to the church grounds. His gravesite was designated
with a Historical Site marker in 1976.
In 1986, with money given in memory
of Mr. Palmer, a new fellowship hall and renovations to the old building
were completed. |
|
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/nolleymem/
